Chapter 19 - The Coast of Vietnam: Present Status and Future Challenges for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Vietnam has reached a decisive moment on its way to becoming a fully developed country. It has to tackle several challenges to enhance the future welfare of its population, dealing not only with macroeconomic stability and social justice, but involving environmental issues and awareness. Its large coastal zones are the driving factors for the future development of the country, but are also the most vulnerable to natural disasters (e.g., storm surges caused by tropical cyclones), global climate changes (e.g., coastal erosion, sea level rise, saline intrusion), and direct human impacts (e.g., land reclamation, pollution). This chapter reviews the present status of Vietnamese coastal regions, grouped into four distinct areas (Red River Delta, Northern Central area, Central Coastal area, South-east and Mekong Delta) with specific geographical and structural features and high-value habitats. Human impacts and threats to the sustainable use of resources are presented, together with management actions used. Furthermore, specific needs are discussed in order to promote effective coastal protection strategies and population safety in the future. The risk is not only the loss of valuable environments, but the breaking of social bonds due to the competition for vital resources such as water and land.